This Biz Tips Podcast guides you step-by-step through the process of establishing a strong foundation - or preparation - for the five-step process that follows. You need to prepare yourself, your business, and your staff for the changes you are about to create and the success you are about to make yours.

You will notice that every major company in the world has a vision or mission statement - a broad, futuristic idea of what the company will achieve and look like in the future. The five-step process can help you achieve there, but you need to know where "there" is first.

I know you must be eager to jump into marketing strategies and get more people flowing through the door, or more sales ringing through the till. Be patient - this is important work that will build and contribute to your amazing success. Trust me!

In this podcast we will cover:

·  What a business vision is and why it is important

·  Why your employees need a vision to follow

·  Examples of powerful vision statements

·  Your unique strengths and weaknesses

·  How to write your vision statement

·  What you need to achieve your vision

So, let's take a look at what a vision statement is, and why it's important for you to create one for your business.

A vision statement is a broad, inspiring image of the future state a business aspires to reach. It describes without specifying how aspirations will be achieved, or when. It is ambitious, and forward-thinking. It's not about where the organization is now, it's about what the organization will be, or aspires to be.

A vision statement needs to:

·  describe aspirations and intent

·  be inspirational for your staff and customers

·  project a compelling story

·  paint a clear picture

·  use engaging and descriptive language

·  be realistic

·  align with your company's values

The vision statement will also provide a clear criterion or measuring stick for decision-making. When making tough choices, ask "Does this support the vision statement?" If major initiatives do not support the overall business vision, chances are they aren't worth the investment of time and money.

If your business doesn't have a vision statement, it needs one. If it does, then this is a good opportunity to strengthen it or make sure it is aligned with the current dream you have for yourself and your company.

We're going to work through a step-by-step process in this podcast that will help you hone in on what your vision is, and then put it into words.

You should note that a corporate vision statement - once created, agreed to and perfected - should remain consistent and unchanged for several years.

·  have you used engaging and descriptive language?

·  is it realistic?

·  does it align with your company's values?

5. Include your employees in the vision creation process and ask them for feedback.

Do they understand the vision? Do they support it? Does it inspire them? Can they find meaning in their work based on it? Incorporate their feedback, where possible and relevant.

6. Put your vision statement somewhere everyone can see it - your staff, management, customers and vendors.

Once you have created your vision statement, share it with the world. Your vision is something you have committed to, and can let everyone know where your company is heading. It allows them to see where you want to go, and gives them the opportunity to help you get there.

Now, do you have everything you need to start working towards your vision?

In the next few podcasts, you're going to work through a comprehensive goal-setting process that will act as the road map for achieving your vision. You'll also review, in depth, the five-step process, which